1. MARKETING
Thierry has also been a soccer coach for many years and likes
to think of himself as a coach to his customers. He strongly
believes in continuing education and holds several work shops
throughout the year such as the ABC’s of Investing classes, Value
of Money class for ages 10-100, Social Security workshops and
Healthcare Reform workshops. Each event presents something
new and different, which caters to the wide variety of interests
his customers may have. It also gives attendees the opportunity
to learn something new or experience something they have
never done. Thierry also loves being a part of organizations
such as the Tennessee School for the Deaf and the Sertoma
Home for Men by volunteering as Santa each year to brighten
the holidays of those in need.
All of these events help strengthen his relationship with his
customers as well as provide opportunities to meet prospects
and guests who attend. It also gives Thierry the opportunity to
give back to the community and enjoy his personal hobbies, all
while earning recognition for his business.
Relating to people on a personal level can create a sense of trust,
which lays the foundation for forming business relationships.
Customers want to know that you understand them, listen
to them and can relate to them. Enjoying a common hobby
together can promote this while paving the way for business
growth, and in Thierry’s case, open an opportunity to build
relationships that last a lifetime.
W
hoever said mixing business and pleasure
was a bad thing? Many professionals
have found ways to use their hobbies and
personal interests to their advantage by
creating them into a business tactic. If it
seems as though your workload prevents you from doing the
things you love, try changing things up by merging the two.
You might be surprised at the results.
Using your hobbies to network can help you reach potential
new clients while building strong relationships. If you connect
your business to something you enjoy or are passionate about,
it will reflect in the way you engage with people. When you
engage in something you love, it drives your motivation, and
those around you will feel your energy.
Thierry Sommer, a NEXT Representative from Tennessee,
bases most of his events around the hobbies he enjoys. His
hobbies, to name a few, include educational reading, coaching
soccer, traveling, participating in community activities, sports,
games and movies. Thierry loves to incorporate all of the fun
and interesting aspects of Knoxville into events while also
connecting his business to a valued hobby by introducing a
related economic concept. One event he hosted titled “The
Three Rivers Rambler Train Ride,” centered on keeping your
retirement plan on track. Other events he has hosted include
a “Card Shark Party,” during which Thierry invited customers
to play various card games for an evening, a “Halloween Tax
Retreat and Costume Party,” and “The Star River Boat” dinner
cruise in which he invited Joe Colavito to speak on Centurions.
RE-DEFINING WORK
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